The Technology Behind Audiobooks
There are a couple of methods for creating your own audiobooks, and which one you choose depends on what type of technology you have access to. Any method will work.
The first method is using an old-fashioned cassette tape recorded with microphone. This will make the classic “book on tape” for your child.
You can also use a microphone with your computer audio file system. These audio files can be burned onto a CD or loaded into an MP3 or other player.
Recording the Audiobook Tips and Tricks
When you are ready to record the audiotape for your kid, you will have to come up with a plan. The idea behind the read along audiobook is that your child follows along in the actual book with the audio file. That means you will need to indicate when to turn to the next page. The classic method is to ding a bell or make a certain noise to queue your child to turn the book's page.
When recording the audiobook, read clearly and with entertaining inflection. Do different voices for the characters in the book. Make the scary parts sound scary, and the happy parts sound happy. Your kid will have more enjoyment with the audiobook that way.
How to Use Read Along Audiobooks for Kids
The great thing about audiobooks that you create for your kids is that they can use them anytime. Keep the audio recording with the book it goes with and your child will be ready to listen any time. The first time, sit down with your child and explain how it works. Be sure to let them know what the sound is that tells them when to turn the page. The only other thing you will need to teach them is how to get back to the beginning of the audiobook so they can listen and read along over and over again.
Creating your own audiobooks is not only fun, but educational as well. Your children will love to listen to you read their favorite book over and over again, even when you do not have time. The audiobooks can help them learn to read as they follow along with the book and audio file.
